Muwafiq al-Hib
Muwafiq al-Hib is the head of the Tuba Zangaria local council and a prominent figure in Bedouin local governance in northern Israel.
Muwafiq al-Hib serves as the head of the local council of Tuba Zangaria, a Bedouin town in the Upper Galilee. As a regional leader, al-Hib frequently represents the interests of the Bedouin community in northern Israel, particularly regarding government relations, security, and political representation. His role involves navigating the complex intersection of local municipal needs and national political alliances.
In September 2026, al-Hib emerged as a key voice clarifying the political stance of Bedouin municipal leaders during national election cycles. Following reports from the Yashar party suggesting a formal endorsement of MK Gadi Eisenkot, al-Hib issued a public correction. He clarified that while Bedouin officials had met with Eisenkot, their primary objective was not a personal endorsement but rather a strategic demand for the inclusion of the Arab party Ra'am (United Arab List) in any future governing coalition. According to al-Hib, the focus of these discussions was ensuring that the Arab and Bedouin sectors maintain a seat at the decision-making table to address chronic issues such as infrastructure, crime, and economic development.
Al-Hib's leadership in Tuba Zangaria is often marked by the challenge of managing a community that has historically seen both high rates of IDF enlistment and significant internal security challenges. His public statements reflect a pragmatic approach to Israeli politics, prioritizing tangible government commitments over symbolic party affiliations. By conditioning political cooperation on the inclusion of Ra'am, al-Hib signals a preference for the model of political integration established during the 36th government of Israel, seeking to leverage parliamentary influence for local municipal gains.